(Ottawa) MPs and federal party leaders pay tribute Monday to the late Brian Mulroney, before the state funeral which will take place in Montreal this weekend.
The former prime minister died in Florida on February 29 at the age of 84.
The House of Commons paused last month when news of Brian Mulroney’s death reached it. Since then, tributes have been pouring in, from politicians of yesterday and today.
MPs were returning to the House after a two-week break and were set to launch what is expected to be a week of remembrance of the former prime minister, culminating with Saturday’s funeral.
Mr. Mulroney led the country as Progressive Conservative prime minister from 1984 to 1993.
He championed free trade and inaugurated the Canada-U.S. Free Trade Agreement in 1988, the precursor to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) which took effect in 1994. Many Canadians also remember from him for introducing the Goods and Services Tax (GST).
Members of Parliament from all parties have already expressed their admiration and, in many cases, gratitude to Mr. Mulroney for his years of service, advice and mentorship.
His family, including his daughter, Ontario Minister Caroline Mulroney, is expected to be in Ottawa to hear the tributes.
Brian Mulroney’s coffin is expected to arrive in Ottawa on Tuesday, where he will lie in state for two days so the public can pay their respects.
The former prime minister will also rest at Saint-Patrick’s Basilica in Montreal on Thursday and Friday.
Dignitaries, including the governor general and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, are expected to offer their condolences to the Mulroney family on Tuesday morning.
Mr. Trudeau was also expected to be among the leaders who will pay tribute in the House of Commons later Monday.
A state funeral will take place Saturday morning at Notre-Dame Basilica, with eulogies from Caroline Mulroney, Jean Charest and Wayne Gretzky.